Microsoft Word for the web includes a Transcribe function that can upload an existing MP3, WAV, M4A or MP4 file, or record speech directly. It can divide the result into timed speaker sections and insert the text into a Word document.
Basic workflow
- Open Word online using the approved organisational account.
- From Home, open the Dictate menu and choose Transcribe.
- Upload an audio file or start an authorised recording.
- Review every section, correct speaker names and wording, then insert the checked text.
Accuracy limits
Background noise, overlapping speech, accents and technical terminology can create extensive correction work. Automatic output may be acceptable for private rough notes, but a legal, clinical, research or published record normally requires complete human review.
Data protection comes first
The recording is uploaded to Microsoft’s cloud service, so an Irish organisation should confirm its controller/processor roles, approved Microsoft tenancy, storage location, retention, permissions and any international transfer before use. Consent to record does not automatically authorise every cloud-processing tool.
For confidential or high-consequence material, use the organisation’s approved secure workflow or a contracted transcription processor rather than a personal account.